E. C. "Gene" Smith, 96, of Bay City passed away Nov. 19, 2009. He was born March 19, 1913 in Hopkins County, Arkansas to the late George Robert and Minnie Vola Carter Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County; past Noble Grand of IOOF Lodge #81; held numerous state offices with IOOF; member of Eagles Lodge; was an original member of the Medicare Band playing rhythm guitar and bowled twice a week with the Sterling Silver Seniors team.

His wife Annie Jo "Jody" Smith, son Robert Spencer Smith and great grandson Logan Shane Smith preceded him in death. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law David Eugene & Betty Smith of Houston and Larry Wayne & Polly Smith of Baytown; sisters Georgie Knight of Bay City and Shirley Barfield of Sweeny; 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. His grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.